Happy Papercrafting Month!!

Happy New Year!!
Happy New Seasonal Expressions Idea Book!
Happy Papercrafting Month!

I have LOTS of happy around here for you today!  Be sure to read check out all the exciting new Close to My Heart product and promotions as well as an upcoming workshop you don't want to miss!

Beautiful NEW Seasonal Expressions

Seasonal Expressions Idea Book: January 2017 - April 2017 

It's here and full of brand new awesome product!  So, buckle your seats...
- 4 stunning new paper suites
- 3 new album covers... LOVE!
- 8 new Thin Cuts
- INTRODUCING... Cut Above Layout Kits!
- Gold Shimmer Brush!!
- Loads of new stamp sets

You can view the new Seasonal Expressions Idea Book here.  When you make that wish list and get ready to check out be sure to add your own free copy of this book to your cart!

Welcome Home Wreath Kit! Happy Papercrafting Month!!

Ready to fall in love?  Acknowledging playing with paper is pure JOY January CTMH promo is here for EVERYONE to enjoy! This kit is amazing and packaged so anyone can enjoy playing with paper!! The kit comes with all the pre-cut pieces you can pop out, assemble and attach to the sturdy chipboard wreath base.

There are 4 different ways you can get it:
- Buy it for $18.95 - no qualifying purchase required!
- Get it for FREE with a qualifying $60 purchase!
- Get it for free by hosting a party that reaches the 2nd level of Hostess Rewards.
- Get it for free when you sign up to be a Consultant!

No matter how you get it or how many you get you're be amazed how easy it is to put together. You're going to LOVE it!!

To sweeten the deal I'm offering a workshop at my home on Tuesday, January 31st from 6pm-8:30pm to assemble your wreath with a great group of gals!  You are welcome to come and use my tools, visit and off you'll go with your beautiful home decor piece!  Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 17th by email or Facebook event!!

Stamp of the Month: Adore You
Create beautiful artwork with this D-size stamp set, Adore You, available only during January.  This color-ready stamp set has sentiments perfect for Valentine's projects, weddings, anniversaries and more.  Adore You is just $5 this month with a qualifying purchase of $50.

Upcoming Workshops
Tuesday, January 31, 2017: Welcome Home Wreath Workshop & Product Party from 6pm-8:30pm
     RSVP by January 17th by email or Facebook event
Tuesday, February 21, 2017: Layout Workshop from 6pm-8pm

Happy Papercrafting!!

'tis the Season Layout

'tis the season to believe in miracles (and magic)!

This layout was created in my EXTRA Happy, Happy Christmas scrapbooking layout workshop.  You can recreate this layout using Happy, Happy Christmas My Crush and Happy, Happy Christmas Picture My Life cards, City Sidewalks complements and Oh Deer coordinating cardstock.

Elements of this design were suggested for the hinged display. Once I created all of my layouts in the Happy, Happy Christmas bundle I used remaining City Sidewalks complements, left over seaglass and white daisy cardstock to turn this into a two-page layout with picture my life spaces in the right.  

How cute is that Santa cruising in his car? 

Wishing you peace, love and happiness!
We believe!

Christmas Cards for Days!!

Receiving Chrstimas cards from friends and family is definately one of my most favorite traditions of Christmas.  My husband and I try to beat each other to the mailbox each day so we can open the mail first! If more than one card comes sometimes we'll share the joy of opening them... we love it!

What do you do with all of the Christmas cards that you receive? Do you display them? Keep them in a fun mailbox or container? What do you do with them when it's time to pack up Christmas or take down all the cards you have hung up?

I'm a Christmas card collector!  For sure.  Are you surprised?  In the 11 years that my husband and I have been married I have save each and every one.  We always put them up in a wall, door or some kind of display and then around February-ish I take them all down and put each on in our Christmas card scrapbook.

I have one (well just started our second last year) scrapbook for our Christmas cards.  Each year I create a one page layout with our card and include all the  cards from friends and family in layouts to follow. I generally carry thru one element from my main layout each year so i can easily tell which year cards are from.

This is my 2015 title layout, our card fit on the photo mat. This year was the first that I used PML memory pages to keep all the other cards in. This worked really well - I usually trim the cards down to just the main photos to make it all fit.  I also carried the element of the trees throughout the other pages.

This page was created using Rustic Home fundamental paper, City Sidewalks paper, City Sidewalks washi tape as well as white enamel dots. The trees can be created easily from rectangles. Make the rectangle the height you'd like the trees and the width you'd like. Once you have your rectangle, find the midpoint of the top, make a cut from that point to the bottom corner on each side. Hello, Christmas tree!

Wishing you peace, love and happiness!

Jeepers Creepers! It's Halloween!

Hello, friends!!  I hope you have plans for a spooky fun day!  We have 3 little monsters (well... Waldo, Police Office and a "tree climber" aka Monkey) ready to enjoy their day and collect candy. As they collect their candy and bounce through their day with smiles and sugar I plan to collect memories - many of them! Ok... and a few pieces of their candy!

So, I thought I'd bee-bop in and share some Jeepers Creepers cuteness with you. Jeepers Creepers is the new adorably spooky CTMH Halloween themed paper suite.  Last month on my Close to My Heart site there were super cute ideas of how to create with the paper. I used it for inspiration and came up with these two layouts.

Layout created using Jeepers Creepers and Cricut Flower Market.

Layout created using Jeppers Creepers and Cricut Flower Market.

How fun is this paper pack?  The little monster and the eyeballs are on opposite sides of one sheet so I was able to created both of these layouts using one piece of pattern paper.  I marked my papers at 3 inches on one side and 9 inches on the other and then used two sheets of paper to form a long straight line to connect the diagonal line and trimmed away.  If you have a longer paper trimmer that would make your job a little faster. :)  The tangerine (new CTMH color this year!) is a trapezoid in the background as well.  Each of the two trapezoids were made from one 6x9 rectangle.  I marked on one of the longest sides at 3 inches and the other long side at 6 inches and then used my trimmer to make the diagonal cut.  Then it's just paper piecing. 

Have you had a chance to check out the new CTMH Flower Market Cricut Cartridge?  As with all of the CTMH cartridges it is a treasure chest FULL of a year's worth of themes and occasions.  The title, Halloween, for these layouts comes from this cartridge.  Love the font style of this! 

I embellished these layouts just enough to make it pop.  Depending on the layout I either used the Jeepers Creepers washi tape or the zip strip from the pattern paper.  Tip:  Make your paper go further!  Cut the zip strip behind the photo mat and leave a gap so you only have to use one zip strip as it's only 12inches long and the diagonal gets a bit longer.   The green washi tape on top of my 5x7 photo mats is from this suite as well.  I used the "berries" from the September SOTM to stamp the tangerine dots around the title.  I actually love how they reassemble the eyes in the paper in the second layout. Tip: Try not to limit yourself when working with your stamps... many stamps have many possibilities when you look at them from another angle! 

Finally, I got my shimmer on!! Tricky to see in my pictures but I used my shimmer brush on my title that was just black card stock to give it some great dimensions and shimmer.  Also, I added shimmer to eyes and monsters through the pattern papers.  LOVE THIS TOOL!!! 

If you're looking for a way to capture all the great Halloween memories you make today or from years past I'd love to help you!  You can click on any of the links throughout my post to find the supplies I used in my online shop.  

The Jeepers Creepers Workshop Your Way (WYW) bundle has all of the coordinating Jeepers Creepers goodness in one place for you, including a few extra pieces of cardstock to aid in creating layouts or cards!  

Jeepers Creepers Workshop Your Way

Happy Halloween, Happy Memory Collecting & Happy Crafting Ghouls and Goblins!!

When You're Playing with Paper

As the saying goes: Time flies when you're ... Playing with Paper!! :)

CTMH Paper Packs Featured: Charlotte, Penelope and Regatta

As April comes to an end many beautiful papers and stamp sets will be retiring.  I wanted to be sure you knew (or remembered) Seasonal Expressions retires in just a few days,  April 30th as the clocks strikes midnight *poof*! 

You can find this Seasonal Expressions Idea Book online here.

Paper Packs and Coordinating Embellishments

Charlotte

Layout created using Charolette Paper and Woodland Romance Stamp Set.

Charlotte Paper Pack

Charolette Complements

Regatta

Layouts created using Regatta papers, Regatta Complements and Beach Days Stamp Set.

Regatta Paper Pack

Regatta Complements

Penelope

Layout created using Penelope Paper and Zoe WOTG Stamp Set.

Penelope Paper Pack

Penelope Complements

Stamp Sets 

Reminder: The new CTMH stamp policy is that the sets retire with the Idea Book.  There are many cute sets in this Idea Book you can view the Idea Book, here, to see all the sets included.  Here are a few of my favorites from this book:

Beach Days (D1684)

Woodland Romance (D1683)

Kiss It Better (B1508)

Patch of Sky (M1136)

Pirate Birthday (A1186)

Picture My Life Products

All Picture My Life products in this Idea Book will also be retiring.  Do you have Love Your Selfie?  Cause..... you should!  :)

PML: Love Your Selfie  (Z3194)

  

Instalife Products

The new Black and White Instalife Album in this Idea Book as well as the Instalife City Limits Cards are almost gone...

Black and White Instalife Album

Instalife Cards: City Limits

Let me know if you have any questions!! 

You can get your favorite CTMH products while they are available anytime at my website: ellielundstrom.ctmh.com .  

Happy Crafting!

Happy New Year! Layout

Happy New Year's Eve!!

I am here to share a layout with you today that you could create and put your favorite pictures from your New Year's Eve celebrations as you count down to 2016.  It could also be used to highlight your favorites from this last year.  It could be a place for your family's new year resolutions or goals.  It would look great displayed in your home in a Designed Decor frame or placed at the beginning of your 2016 Family Album.  The possibilities are endless!! :)

As I played with the paper pack of the month this month, La Vie En Rose, I quickly loved all the the black and white patterns!! Each of these pattern pieces are from the La Vie En Rose paper pack.  The 6th pattern that belongs to the paper pack is a colorful rose pattern.

"Pop, Fizz, Clink" is a cricut cut from the new Artistry CTMH Cricut Collection.  The other embellishments on this layout include: Bodacious Banners stamping, In Review stamping, Watercolor, Gold glitter paper, Gold Fundamental Assortments, Pomegranate Fundamental Assortments, Gold foil tape and Itty Bitty Sparkles.

Do you have any crafting goals for the new year?  One of mine is to keep my Designed Decor frame full all year.  Ideally, I'd love to add a new layout or piece of art each month!  Not only will this layout be out for my family and I to enjoy but it will be a layout that I can quickly and easily add to our family scrapbook. Who wants to join me??  I know YOU do so keep on reading to see how I'm going to help make getting started easy for you!! :)

I'll keep you posted with upcoming workshops and classes!

Stop back this week for new product reveals and January steals and deals!

Cheers!

Cyber Week!!!

Who's ready for some deals on the good stuff??

For five days only, a selection of items from Close to My Heart's current product inventory can be yours for 25% off retail price!  Get supplies you'll need to make handcrafted gifts and cards for the holidays, including our Cricut Artfully Sent Collection, at an amazing discount!

Cyber Week Sales are good from: Monday, November 30, 2015 (10:00am CST) - Friday, December 4, 2015 (5:00pm CST).  

Shop at ellielundstrom.ctmh.com

All of these products are part of the Cyber Week sale.  You will find them on my online site under a special shopping section titled "Cyberweek Sale!"

Z3111  Base & Bling Snowflake Charm—Faux Gold

Z3112  Base & Bling Jingle Bell—Faux GoldZ3135  Base & Bling Snowflake Charm—Faux Silver
Z3136  Base & Bling Jingle Bell—Faux Silver
Z3138  Base & Bling Red Bead Charm—Faux Gold
Z3139  Base & Bling Red Bead Charm—Faux Silver
Z3180 Picture My LifeTM Going Places Scrapbooking Program 
Z3147 Cut AboveTM Dapper Giraffe Card Kit
Z2028 Designer Creations Short Stack Album
Z2036  Designer Creations Slate Paper Bags
Z2037  Designer Creations Lagoon Paper Bags
Z2038  Designer Creations Ruby Paper Bags
Z2039  Designer Creations Honey Paper Bags
Z2049  Designer Creations Cupcake Box
Z2050  Designer Creations Takeout Box
Z2053 Designer Creations Buttoned Bag
Z1838 5" x 7" Hinged Display Tray
Z1750 Designed Décor Display Tray
Z2006 Designed Décor Red Magnetic Chalkboard
Z2015  Designed Décor Black Shadow Box
Z2016  Designed Décor Colonial White Shadow Box
Z1833 My CreationsTM Kraft Container 
Z1871 My CreationsTM Kraft 3-Ring Album 
Z1953 My CreationsTM Journaling Cards Box Z1956 My CreationsTM Hip Pics Album 
Z3043 My CreationsTM Black Mini Book
Z3044 My CreationsTM Kraft Mini Book 
Z3069 My CreationsTM Mini Mix Album 
Z3137 My CreationsTM Pint-Sized Container 
Z3168 Cricut® Artfully Sent Collection
Z1476  4 1⁄4" x 5 1⁄2" White Daisy Envelopes
Z1477  5" x 7" White Daisy Envelopes
Z1478  6" x 6" White Daisy Envelopes
Z1756  3" x 3" Colonial White Envelopes
Z1757  4 1⁄4" x 5 1⁄2" Colonial White Envelopes
Z1758  5" x 7" Colonial White Envelopes
Z1759  6" x 6" Colonial White Envelopes
Z1851 Scallop Border Punch
Z1997 Triangle Border Punch 

Remember, to take advantage of the November promotions while you can!!

Shop at ellielundstrom.ctmh.com

Simply Fundamental Scrapbooking bundle!! I LOVE our Fundamentals!  Remember you can qualify for a FREE value pack of page protectors ($19.95 value) when you order the Fundamentals Bundle!

This awesome deal is available ONLY in November so be sure to scoop yours up while you can - available on my online site!!

PLUS!  When you purchase the Fundamental Scrapbooking bundle during November you also qualify for my piggyback promotion of a FREE PAPER PACK of your choice!! This deal is only good through me with this promotion.

Planners Gonna Plan!
Beginning December 1st you can get your hands on the new, gorgeous Everyday Life album from Close to My Heart, the accompanying Everyday Life 2016 planner pages, and the coordinating Everyday Life Perfect Plan roller stamp in an exclusive product bundle for only $29.95.  That's over 15% off the retail price!

With the new Everyday Life line, you'll experience "memory keeping on the go" as you track your menus and shopping lists, stamp reminders, keep appointments, and tuck away precious memories - plus much more - all at once!

Shop at ellielundstrom.ctmh.com

This offer is only available while supplies last, so plan to place your order early in the month and start 2016 off right!

What a week, huh? If you need any help figuring out how to get the best deal please do not hesitate to contact me!  I love a good deal and especially a good crafty deal!! :)

Happy Crafting!

Halloween Layout!

Halloween is just around the corner. It's time to 'eat, drink and be scary'! I hope you all have spooky, fun plans with your ghouls and goblins!! 

Halloween layout featuring Nevermore and Cricut Artfully Sent.

This layout was created with Nevermore papers, Cricut Artfully Sent and Cricut Artbooking. I used a new favorite flair stamp of my mine from the new Annual Inspirations, Ink Blot, in the background.  Check out those cute green eyes. You can easily create any color sparkle you are looking for - those are clear sparkles colored with my ShinHan alcohol markers!

You can find all the supplies to recreate this layout on my online shopping site.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: It's Tradition

This is one of my most favorite family projects ever.  During the month of November we take time as a family to talk about what we are thankful for, daily.  We usually have this conversation during supper and then we each take our turn recording what we are grateful for in words or drawings.

 

The beginning of the month, each year, seems to be similar - the biggest influences in our lives are identified first.  The days of November are some of my favorites because as a family we take the time to identify all that we are thankful for from the ordinary things of everyday life, the littlest things that leave impressions on us to moments that help us to learn life lessons.  This family projects encourages us to see all that is good in our life and remind us how blessed we are. 

There are no right or wrong things to be thankful for, no rules to our collection of gratitude.  If you are grateful for something, record it.  When the kiddos are too little to write we trace their hand and then brainstorm as a family things in their daily life they would maybe identify as being thankful for.  Their tiny handprints on our poster is one of my favorite things.  I usually write a little note or quote the kids' words under their drawings when they are old enough to make pictures and draw.  I love words that are misspelled and other things that show their age/development.  It's so fun to hear all the ideas our kids come up with on a daily basis!  It's also interesting to hear their answer when asked, "Why are you thankful for ____?"

Every member of our family participates!

Our Thankful Poster sits in our kitchen all month long.  Sometimes I just walk by, pause and reread all that is written and smile because when you take a second to look around this life is pretty darn awesome!  Of course, I keep each years artwork to look back on - I LOVE looking back and am so thankful for our families recorded memories! 

Maybe your family does something similar?  I'd love to hear how your family focuses on the blessings in your life!  If you're looking for something, give this a try - you won't regret it!  

Sunday Paper: Home Decor

Add a touch of fall to your home with a fall bunting!  

With the help of my Cricut Artbooking cartridge, Pathfinding Paper Pack, Brown Glitter Paper, Score Board and jute my fall bunting came together in no time and currently accents our fireplace.  I've also hung him in our kitchen window where he looked equally as cute but I get to see it much more in the living room!  While I love to decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving I also like to have pieces out that are more generically fall - I get to enjoy them longer! :)

Here's how this little gem came together...

First, the ability to cut the banner shapes out with Artbooking is a complete time saver.  Then, I scored each kraft banner at 1/4 inch to give the paper added dimension.   (You could use the other side which would add another look as your scored lines would look like little speed bumps instead of sidewalk cracks.)  I used pop dots behind the kraft paper to add depth and to allow the pattern paper to be a bit more visible.  Remember how I said I was loving Close to My Heart's glitter paper?! Seriously.  Love it!  I cut all these leaves out using Artbooking and my Cricut.  I love the look of the glitter leaves and the best part is I do not have to work a bit when handling this bunting - the glitter stays put!  I adhered the leaves with liquid glass.  Finally, I strung jute through all the pieces I made.  Done.  

Your turn to make one!  How long do you want your bunting?  Shorter? Longer?  Make it yours... Add more pieces to add length or use less to shorten it up, space them farther apart or closer together.  What else could you use for fall?  Pumpkins, Acorns, Cornstalk, Words: Fall, Autumn, Blessings, Thankful, etc. 

Do you want to make one of your own but don't have all the supplies?  Host a home decor workshop and I'll bring all the supplies for you and your friends to create your own! 

While you work on your fall bunting I'm going to start brainstorming for next seasons pop of paper!

Happy Crafting!

Sunday Paper: Home Decor

BOO!

This week is the beginning of October already!  That means Halloween is just around the corner and it's time to break out the holiday decor!

How about creating a little something new this year?  I did! :)

Craft Letters (JoAnn Fabric's), Beetle Black Paint (Martha Stewart),
CTMH: Scaredy Cat Paper, Artbooking & Artiste Cricut Cuts

I will have to say my 4 year old does not appreciate the 8-legged creatures in my artwork.  I'm not a fan of spiders either but I thought they looked cute in paper form.  He said in his little sweet way,  "Mom, there are 3 spiders - here I will show you - and your decoration does not have to sit on this table..."  (Noted:  Put it up higher so it's not at his eye level.)  It probably doesn't help that it looks like the jack-o-latern is also scared of the spider hanging out of the web! hahaha  Oh, boy!  Sorry dude, I won't put up any more spiders for Halloween!

Happy Crafting!